First prewar N Frame...

[hkcavalier]

Finally found one in my price range I wanted to take home.

No, not a .44 HE. Definitely not a .357 HE aka Registered Magnum. The entry drug to the old N frame world: the 1917.

I like shooter-grade all-original guns with some rarity involved. So this one was perfect for me. Was also bidding on a Colt 1917 *gasp* --- an early example with no martial markings and a hint of the fire bluing around the hammer. It actually sold for less, but I really wanted the S&W.

All original, honest wear for sure and some pitting under the grips to match the light pits on the sideplate and elsewhere. Early gun (96xx) with the grooved hammer and concave grips.

Gun was completely dry inside but no rust. Hammer and trigger still had beautiful case coloring...hidden by the frame. Not really shocking, but the gun resisted efforts to pretty it up with Ren Wax, though the grips look much better after some cleaning and tung oil. I wish I was talented enough to steam out the dents.

Didn't bother with pics of the "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" and butt markings, but trust me, they're all correct. These are iPhone pics but the gun begs for some DSLR ones at a later date.

 

[Modified]

Excellent buy!

I'm with you regarding use on guns, I always feel a little weird owning NIB guns. It feels a little wrong that they have just sat in a drawer for 100 years and were never used for their intended purpose.

Getting one with the grooved hammer is a really good move too, it's such a neat feature (and this being your first N-Frame as you say I know you don't have a Pre-War .357 Magnum lurking in the safe). And the early dished stocks just look so right.

 

[Kansasgunner]

Nice find, you’re gonna like that one!

 

[hkcavalier]

Excellent buy!

I'm with you regarding use on guns, I always feel a little weird owning NIB guns. It feels a little wrong that they have just sat in a drawer for 100 years and were never used for their intended purpose.

Getting one with the grooved hammer is a really good move too, it's such a neat feature (and this being your first N-Frame as you say I know you don't have a Pre-War .357 Magnum lurking in the safe). And the early dished stocks just look so right.

Having a Standard Catalog is a tremendous help. Your eyes tell you if it's pretty, but the book tells you if it's rare and all-original. We've all seen lots of threads on here of people who bought pretty guns that are obviously refinished and/or have aftermarket stuff hanging off of them.

 

[Modified]

Having a Standard Catalog is a tremendous help. Your eyes tell you if it's pretty, but the book tells you if it's rare and all-original. We've all seen lots of threads on here of people who bought pretty guns that are obviously refinished and/or have aftermarket stuff hanging off of them.

Don't discount modified guns. Obviously I'm biased, but as crazy as it sounds I think you would absolutely love this abomination once you had it in hand:

Assuming you don't pay much for it.

The key thing though is that you have a really good eye obviously, and if you don't like the modified gun, just walk away. Just don't dismiss a gun simply because it is modified. Your love of guns that are used means you may come across something with good period upgrades.

Take this gun for example;

It's re-finished, has the wrong grips on it, was fitted with target sights and a registered magnum hammer. There's a 1917 under there, but part of the re-finish was to scrub all the US Property markings.

Despite all of that the thing shoots like a dream and is consistently pleasing to me just to look at and handle.

In any case the Standard Catalog is amazing, but just because something isn't original doesn't mean you won't find you just love the dang thing. And modified old guns can often be much easier on the pocket book. They will never fit in the place of a proper collectable original gun, but if you like actually used guns I think you will find the jump to used and upgraded is one that will be enjoyable if you have the chance.

 

[StrawHat]

I like the ACP revolver and have a few. The Model 1917, if you like it, will merely be the first you will get. Next will be a Commercial Model, then a Brazilian variation (prewar), then the Brazilian (Post War), a Model 1950 Army…

It is a lot of fun.

Kevin

 

[hkcavalier]

Oh don't get me wrong, I like tastefully modified guns.

I've been searching for the right gun to "Robar" pinto (NP3 cylinder and small parts, nitride frame and barrel). With Robar out of business, I'll have to find someone else to do it. A finish challenged carry gun like a 13, 19, 28, or 58 would be perfect.

I also like the 1917s that have been chopped down to snubs and parked. A beat up original gun as a starter --- not one like mine